Monkshood Aconitum 'Ivorine'
ABOUT
Aconitum 'Ivorine', commonly known as monkshood, is characterized by its lush, deeply divided, dark green leaves that have a leathery texture. The foliage forms a mound from which emerge tall, slender spikes that bear the distinctive hooded flowers. These blooms are a soft, creamy white color and have an elegant, helmet-like appearance, which is characteristic of the monkshood family. The individual flowers are intricately shaped with upper and lower petals forming a hood or helmet over the inner parts, giving the plant a unique and striking visual appeal. The flowers are neatly arranged along the flower spikes, creating an attractive vertical display. Monkshood typically blooms in the late summer to early fall, adding a touch of sophistication to the garden with its stately flowers and handsome foliage. It is important to note that all parts of monkshood are highly toxic if ingested.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Ranunculaceae
Synonyms
Ivorine Monkshood
Common names
Aconitum 'Ivorine'
ToxicityTo humans
Aconitum 'Ivorine', commonly known as monkshood, is highly toxic to humans. All parts of the plant contain potent alkaloids such as aconitine, which can be lethal if ingested. Symptoms of poisoning can occur quickly and can include a sensation of burning, tingling, or numbness in the mouth, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, heart palpitations, and severe muscular weakness. In more severe cases, respiratory failure, cardiac arrest, and death can occur. The ingestion of even a small amount of monkshood can be dangerous, and immediate medical attention is necessary.
To pets
Monkshood is also highly toxic to pets. The entire plant, including roots, leaves, and flowers, contains dangerous alkaloids, particularly aconitine. Symptoms of poisoning in pets can appear rapidly and include drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, seizures, and heart problems. In severe cases, consumption of monkshood can lead to paralysis, respiratory failure, and death. If you suspect your pet has ingested any part of the monkshood plant, seek veterinary assistance immediately as the condition can escalate quickly and can be fatal.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
3 feet 0.91 meters
Spread
1 foot 0.30 meters
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
3
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Value: Aconitum 'Ivorine', commonly known as Monkshood, has distinctive hooded flowers that are aesthetically pleasing and add unique beauty to gardens and landscapes.
- Attracts Pollinators: The flowers of Monkshood attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators that are essential for the health of many ecosystems.
- Seasonal Interest: Monkshood provides a late-season bloom in the garden when many other plants have finished flowering, offering color from summer into fall.
- Cold Tolerance: This plant is known to be hardy in cooler climates and can withstand low temperatures, making it suitable for northern gardens.
- Shade Tolerance: Monkshood can thrive in partial shade, which makes it a great option for garden spots that don't receive full sunlight.
- Low Maintenance: Once established, Aconitum 'Ivorine' tends to be low maintenance, requiring minimal care aside from regular watering and occasional fertilization.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Aconite, also known as monkshood, has been used in the past to create poisons for hunting and warfare due to its toxic properties.
- The sap of monkshood can be used as a pest deterrent in gardens to ward off herbivorous animals, but it must be handled with extreme care.
- In folklore, monkshood was often associated with werewolves and was believed to protect against werewolf attacks.
- It has been used historically as a component in flying ointments in witchcraft to allegedly induce astral projection or hallucinations.
- Monkshood may be found in some homeopathic preparations, but its use is highly controversial and potentially dangerous.
- Some artists and writers have used monkshood as a symbol in their work to represent deceit or danger due to its beautiful yet toxic nature.
- Because of its vibrant flowers, monkshood can be used as a natural dye for fabrics, yielding shades of blue and green.
- In tincture form, monkshood was once used as a photographic developer in very early photography techniques.
- In traditional ceremonies, some cultures have used small amounts of monkshood to create ritual incense for various purposes.
- The plant has been used as a component in certain insecticidal preparations, but due to its toxicity, it's generally not favored for this purpose anymore.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Monkshood is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Monkshood is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Caution & Danger: Aconitum, commonly known as Monkshood or Wolf's Bane, is well-known for its toxic properties. Symbolically, it often represents caution due to its poisonous nature and is a reminder to be wary or guarded.
- Protection: In folklore, Monkshood was believed to ward off werewolves and evil spirits, therefore it can represent protection against harm or negative forces.
- Deception & Mistrust: Due to its beautiful but deadly characteristics, Monkshood symbolizes deception and mistrust, highlighting that things are not always what they seem.
- Chivalry & Knightly Valor: In some contexts, primarily historical or literary, Monkshood could represent chivalry and knightly valor, as it was also associated with medieval warriors and their hazardous profession.
WaterMonkshood 'Ivorine' should be watered regularly to keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged. During the growing season, which is typically from spring through fall, water the plant approximately once a week, providing about 1 inch of water which equates to roughly 0.6 gallons per square foot of soil. Adjust the frequency of watering during periods of extreme heat or prolonged drought, potentially increasing to twice a week if the upper soil layer dries out quickly. During the winter, reduce watering to match the plant's dormant state and prevent root rot from excessive moisture.
LightMonkshood 'Ivorine' thrives in partially shaded conditions but can also handle full sun in cooler climates. The ideal spot provides morning sunlight and afternoon shade, or dappled sunlight throughout the day. Avoid placing Monkshood in locations with intense, direct afternoon sun to prevent scorching the foliage.
TemperatureMonkshood 'Ivorine' prefers moderate temperatures and can generally tolerate conditions between 50°F and 75°F. It can survive slight frost and cold snaps as low as 30°F, but prolonged exposure to temperatures below that can be detrimental to the plant. Ideal growing conditions are found in the range of 60°F to 68°F, which promotes healthy growth and flower development.
PruningMonkshood 'Ivorine' benefits from pruning to remove spent flower spikes, which encourages additional blooming, and dead or yellowing foliage to maintain plant health and appearance. Prune in late winter or early spring to shape the plant and remove any damaged growth from the previous season. Light pruning can also be done immediately after the first flowering period to promote a second bloom.
CleaningAs needed
SoilMonkshood 'Ivorine' thrives in a soil mix that provides good drainage but retains moisture. For the best soil composition, mix loamy garden soil with compost and a bit of sand to improve drainage. The ideal pH for this plant should be slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 6.0 to 7.0.
RepottingMonkshood 'Ivorine' does not need frequent repotting and it is usually done every 2-3 years. Repot to refresh the soil and to accommodate root growth. Use the opportunity to divide clumps if necessary to propogate or control the size of the plant.
Humidity & MistingMonkshood 'Ivorine' prefers moderate humidity levels, consistent with outdoor ambient conditions. It does not require the high humidity levels that some tropical plants need, and typically adjusting humidity is unnecessary in its preferred temperate environments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Keep Monkshood 'Ivorine' near a window for light, but avoid direct sun.
Outdoor
Plant Monkshood 'Ivorine' in partial shade and shelter it from strong winds.
Hardiness zone
Monkshood 'Ivorine' is suited for USDA zones 3-8.
Life cycleThe life of the Aconitum 'Ivorine', commonly known as Ivory Monkshood, begins with seed germination, which typically occurs in the late winter or early spring when temperatures remain cool. As the seedling emerges, it develops into a clump of deeply divided dark green foliage which forms the base for future growth. Throughout the spring and early summer, the plant continues to mature, with the foliage growing into a bushy mound. By mid to late summer, it sends up a tall flowering spike adorned with hooded, ivory-coloured flowers that are attractive to pollinators. After the flowering period, which lasts several weeks, the plant sets seed, ensuring the continuation of the species. Ivory Monkshood is a perennial, so as temperatures cool and winter approaches, the plant will die back to the ground, remaining dormant through the winter months before re-emerging the following spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The most popular method for propagating the Aconitum 'Ivorine', commonly known as Ivorine Monkshood, is by division. This process is best done in early spring as the plant begins to emerge from dormancy. To propagate by division, carefully dig up the plant, making sure to keep a generous amount of soil around the roots. Gently separate the crown of the plant into smaller sections, each with a portion of the root system attached. These divisions should then be replanted immediately at the same depth they were growing at previously, spaced about 18 inches (approximately 45.7 centimeters) apart to allow for adequate growth. After planting, water the new divisions thoroughly to help establish them. This method ensures that new plants are true to the parent plant and will exhibit the same flowering characteristics.
